NPR News Now – Jan 13, 2026, 8PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Length: 5 minutes
Theme: Rapid-fire update on top U.S. and global news stories

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers a concise, five-minute update on the day’s breaking national and global news. Topics include upheaval within the Minnesota U.S. attorney’s office linked to an immigration case, President Trump’s statements regarding Iran and new business projects in Saudi Arabia, key data on U.S. health insurance enrollments, Marine Le Pen's legal battle, the death of "Dilbert" creator Scott Adams, and a creative response to extreme heat in Rio’s zoo.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Shakeup at Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office

[00:18–01:11]

• Background:
  Minnesota's top federal fraud prosecutor, along with other veteran attorneys, has resigned.

• Reason:
  DOJ pressure to investigate Becca Good, widow of Renee Macklin Good (killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross), for alleged activist ties—activities that "are protected First Amendment activity".

• Wider Context:
  Trump administration insists the agent acted in self-defense, but video evidence disputes claims that Macklin Good posed a threat.

• Reporting: Matt Sepik of Minnesota Public Radio.

  “The investigation allegedly centers around any possible ties to activist groups she may have. That, of course, is protected First Amendment activity.”
  – Matt Sepik ([00:54])

2. U.S.–Iran Tensions Escalate After Protest Crackdown

[01:11–01:40]

• Developments:
  President Trump has canceled talks with Iranian officials as the Iranian government cracks down violently on anti-government protests.
• White House Stance:
  Trump threatens intervention, possibly military, and leaves open what next steps he will take.
• Death Toll:
  Human rights monitors report over 2,000 deaths among protesters.
• Trump’s Words:

  “Yeah, the message is they've got to show humanity. They've got a big problem and I hope they're not going to be killing people and I'm going to have a report very soon. It would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed.”
  – Donald Trump ([01:25])

• Further Context:
  Trump promises on social media that “help is on its way” to Iranians, but gives no specifics. Iran warns of targeting U.S. and Israeli forces if military intervention occurs.

3. Trump Organization Expands Projects in Saudi Arabia

[01:40–02:56]

• Details:
  Launch of a new Trump golf course, hotel, and residential complex near Riyadh in partnership with Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, and a second Trump Plaza in Jeddah.
• Business Scale:
  The Saudi developer, Dar Global, estimates combined projects to be worth $10 billion.
• Broader Investments:
  Trump Organization now also has multi-billion-dollar ventures with Dar Global in Qatar, Oman, and the UAE.
• Implications:
  Reflects rapid post-presidency expansion by the Trump family business in the Gulf region.
• Reporting: Aya Batrai, NPR.

4. Affordable Care Act Enrollment Drops

[02:56–03:18]

• Key Facts:
  ACA sign-ups fall by 3.5%, with around 800,000 fewer Americans enrolling than last year.
• Causes:
  Expiring federal subsidies and higher health care costs cited.

5. Marine Le Pen Appeals Embezzlement Conviction

[03:18–03:39]

• Situation:
  French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is appealing her conviction for misusing European Parliament funds.
• Potential Impact:
  A five-year office ban could derail her 2027 presidential ambitions.
• Le Pen’s Claim:
  Asserts funds were used properly.

6. Death of “Dilbert” Creator Scott Adams

[03:39–04:28]

• Passing:
  Adams died at 68 after metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis.
• Legacy:
  Known for the satirical comic strip "Dilbert", lampooning corporate life. The strip lost most of its newspaper placements in 2023 following racist comments made by Adams.
• Adams on Office Culture (1996):

  “You get real cynical if you spend more than five minutes in a cubicle, but I certainly always planned that I would escape someday.”
  – Scott Adams ([04:09])

7. Rio’s Zoo Animals Get Frozen Treats Amid Record Heat

[04:28–04:58]

• Heatwave Response:
  Animals at Rio de Janeiro's zoo—jaguars, monkeys, and more—received popsicles and frozen foods tailored to their diets (e.g., frozen fruits, frozen blood) as the city recorded temperatures above 104°F.
• Public Outreach:
  Illustrates animal care adaptations amid climate stress.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Matt Sepik (regarding DOJ investigation):

  “That, of course, is protected First Amendment activity.” ([00:54])

• President Trump (on Iran’s crackdown):

  “They've got to show humanity... I hope they're not going to be killing people...” ([01:25])

• Scott Adams (on working in cubicles):

  “You get real cynical if you spend more than five minutes in a cubicle.” ([04:09])

Timeline of Notable Segments

• 00:18–01:11: Minnesota U.S. attorney's office shakeup, ICE case
• 01:11–01:40: Trump cancels Iran talks, crackdown update
• 01:40–02:56: Trump Organization's Saudi expansion
• 02:56–03:18: ACA enrollment drops
• 03:18–03:39: Marine Le Pen court appeal
• 03:39–04:28: Scott Adams dies
• 04:28–04:58: Rio zoo's heatwave animal care

Summary Tone

The coverage is brisk, factual, and sober, with straightforward language conveying urgency and gravity behind geopolitical and domestic headlines. Occasional moments of human interest (zoo animals, tribute to Scott Adams) add breadth and balance.